Despite Los Angeles equalizing with just a minute to go, Toronto FC need to hold their heads high, as do “most” of the fans in attendance.
After TFC jumped out to an early 2-0 lead, the Galaxy, lead by the recently departed Everton striker Landon Donovan, the sure-footed Robbie Keane and the set-piece master David Beckham, stormed back in the second half. With just a couple of minutes to go, LA earned a corner, where Beckham set up office. Unfortunately some idiot decided it important enough to throw a beer can (empty or not!) at the former England mid, who picked it up and emphatically waved it at the official. Beckham then hit a hard corner into the box, the ball rattled around a bit, and was knocked home by Donovan. Both players then made it quite clear to the fan that threw the can that revenge was theirs.
Despite this hiccup, the night was ultimately a great success. The almost 48,000 fans in attendance were loud, excited and very much into the game. The Red Patch Boys and U-Sector, two of TFC’s supporters clubs, were very vocal in leading the Rogers Centre faithful.
Months ago I questioned Toronto fans love affair with soccer, and whether it would fizzle. While I sat on the fence, I am now leaning on the side that has soccer as a growing sport in North America. They are drawing better quality players, even if they are BPL cast-offs. The three aforementioned Galaxy players, along with Koevermans, Frings and perhaps Frei for TFC, could all play in Europe somewhere. I am slowly becoming an MLS convert, whether it ever becomes an elite league or not.
…and that is the last word.
